Crosswind Runway Reopens at Gary/Chicago International Airport
Gary/Chicago International Airport’s crosswind runway reopened Aug. 12, following a $2.4 million rehabilitation project.
The rehabilitation of Runway 2-20 provides a better runway surface to airport users, and improves drainage and grading within the runway safety areas. This is the first and largest of two projects over the next few years that will ultimately provide a new 10-inch concrete surface for Runway 2-20. The project also included enhanced storm sewer, milling, electrical, concrete overlay, asphalt, grading and landscaping, as well as the adjustment of runway edge and threshold lighting and painting for the entire runway.
The project was overseen by the airport’s engineer NGC Corp. and construction was completed by K-Five Construction and a team of subcontractors. Ninety percent of the project cost was funded by the Federal Aviation Administration passenger facility fees and ten percent was funded through state and local funding sources.
“Rehabilitating the airport’s crosswind runway is the latest in a series of infrastructure projects driving growth and increasing the marketability of the airport,” said airport executive director Dan Vicari. “I applaud NGC, K-Five Construction and the entire team for completing the project on time and under budget.”
“The rehabilitation of Runway 2-20 is the latest achievement in more than three years of progress at the airport, and we plan to continue to build on this momentum and invest in the infrastructure projects necessary to transform Gary/Chicago International Airport into an economic engine for the region,” said airport chairman Stephen Mays.
Just over one year ago, the airport completed a $174 million expansion of Runway 12-30, its main runway, bringing the length to 8,900 feet and allowing the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and serve any destination in the world.
Last month, the Airport Authority voted to approve a contract with nationally-recognized transportation and airport planning firm Jacobsen|Daniels to update the airport's Master Plan. The team, which includes four local contractors, will produce a plan to guide the next decade of development at the airport.
